Pridham keeps Rangers overage streak alive

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Jack Pridham is the latest member of the Kitchener Rangers to earn the Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy as Overage Player of the Year.

It continues a run of success in Kitchener marking the third straight season a Ranger has won the award, following goaltender Jackson Parsons and forward Matthew Sop.

"It's definitely a good accomplishment," Pridham said. "Can't thank my teammates and coaching staff enough, and it's pretty cool to see the Rangers do that three years in a row. It's pretty special."

The honour adds to an already successful year for the club. The Rangers went 42-12-4-2 in the regular season to win the Midwest Division.

The 20-year-old forward finished fifth in league scoring with 90 points and trailed only fellow Chicago Blackhawks prospect Marek Vanacker in goals scored, tallying 46 times in 65 games this season.

Pridham has been just as productive in the postseason, the Stouffville native is tied for second in team scoring with 10 assists through seven games.

After sweeping the Saginaw Spirit in the first round, the Rangers have a 3–0 lead in their semifinal series with the Soo Greyhounds.

“I think just being surrounded by great players and a great culture,” Pridham said. “I can't thank my teammates enough, and it's fun to show up to the rink every day and work."

Last spring, Kitchener and Pridham reached the conference final before falling to the eventual Memorial Cup champion London Knights.

The Chicago Blackhawks 2024 third round prospect has continued to develop in Kitchener under head coach Jussi Ahokas, with an emphasis on his play away from the puck this season.

“I think a big improvement for me is just continuing to round out my 200-foot game ," Pridham said. "Taking care of my own end first.”

As the Rangers continue on their postseason run, they’ll rely heavily on Pridham’s complete game.